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Gausman's first time through the order much better (updated)

Kevin Gausman has lowered his ERA from 11.00 to 8.25 today with three scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards.

Gausman has allowed two hits - an infield single by Torii Hunter in the first and a bloop double by Ramon Santiago in the third on a ball that eluded a diving Adam Jones in center field. He's struck out two.

Gausman served up three home runs in four innings in his last start in Washington, and was charged with seven runs and eight hits. He's keeping the ball down today, a primary objective in the days leading up to today's outing.

The Tigers are making Gausman work, though. They ran three full counts in the second inning. Prince Fielder struck out on the ninth pitch of his at-bat. Gausman was up to 42 pitches after two innings, and he's thrown 58 through the third, including 38 for strikes.

Now it could really get interesting.

The Orioles have allowed 117 of their 267 runs (44 percent) in the fourth (42 runs), fifth (29) and sixth (46) innings. In the first trip through the order, Orioles starters are holding opponents to a .253 average in 507 plate appearances. That number increases to .261 in 503 plate appearances the second time around and .308 in 330 plate appearances the third time through the order.

Bad day for Jair Jurrjens at Triple-A Norfolk. He lasted only 2 2/3 innings and allowed six runs and five hits, with one walk, no strikeouts, two home runs and a hit batter. His ERA rose to 4.09.

Update: Prince Fielder homered with two outs in the fourth to give Detroit a 1-0 lead.

Gausman fell behind 3-0 and threw a 93 mph fastball that Fielder launched to right field. Gausman threw an 80 mph slider on the previous pitch.

Torii Hunter led off with his second infield hit, but Miguel Cabrera grounded into his second double play.

Gausman has thrown 69 pitches in four innings. Fielder accounted for the fifth home run off Gausman in 13 major league innings.

The Orioles have now allowed 78 home runs in 504 2/3 innings. They were giving up 1.38 per nine innings before today, second to the Astros (1.39).

Nate McLouth stole his 19th base in 20 attempts in the bottom of the third inning.